STYLE GUIDE: Dress For Your Body Shape

All body types are beautiful. The trick is knowing which types of clothes flatter your particular body shape and which don't. Don't fret! This handy guide will show you how to look your best. 

Identify Your Body Shape

There are 4 basic body types. Knowing which one your body fits into will help you select the most flattering styles for your body and help you look your best and feel confident in whatever you wear.

• APPLE or INVERTED TRIANGLE:

• The waist is not well defined.
• The shoulders are broader than the hips.
• You would not characterize yourself as curvy through the hips

• Goal:   Rock those comfy styles.
• Go for:  A line silhouettes, tunics, button ups, and v necks. Pair these flowy tops with leggings and skinny jeans. Maxi dresses look great on you. Use substantial fabrics to create structure in your look.
• Avoid: Tight clingy T Shirts. High Necklines. Bulky trousers. Big puffy jackets. Monochromatic outfits.

• HOUR GLASS:
• Curvy with a smaller waist.
• Fuller bust, hips and thighs.
• Waist is well defined.
• The shoulders and Hips are similar in width.

• Goal: Define your waist.  Highlight your neckline.
• Go for: Fitted tops to show off your waist, Wraps, peplum tops, boat necks, scoop necks and v-necks. Wrap dresses, empire waist dresses and Fit & Flare. 
• Avoid: Boxy styles; they will hide your best feature, your waist.

TRIANGLE or PEAR:

• Broader shoulders with slim hips and shapely legs.
• Your waist is wider than your bust
• You consider yourself to have fuller hips
• You have narrower shoulders in comparison to your hips
• You have a fuller rear

• Goal:  Elongate your body. 
• Go For: Cowl Necks, Bell Sleeve, Scoop Neck, V-Necks. Fitted and structured blouses accentuate your narrow shoulders.  Feel free to wear those daring prints. Rock cropped jacket styles that hit the waist. Coat styles that hit at the thigh. Maxi dresses look great.
• Avoid: Low Waisted Pants. Tops that hit at the hip. Embellished bottoms. Baggy Tops.

• RECTANGLE or ATHLETIC:
• Similar width from shoulders to waist.
• Not curvy.
• Waist is almost straight up and down, not curved
• Even weight distribution throughout your body.

• Goal: Create Curves! 
• Go for: Halter tops, Scoop necks, racerbacks, and strapless tops. Crew, cowl necks and v necks also flatter. Cropped and elastic waistlines look great in jackets as well as A lines that hit the hip or below the knee.
• Avoid: Keep the volume on the top or the bottom, never both at the same time. A flowy top requires skinny jeans or leggings, while a fitted top can be paired with flared jeans.

Let's Go Shopping!

Check out these examples of the styles and which body types wear them best.

Wrap Tops: Best for Athletic and Hour Glass

 

See More Wrap Top Styles!

V Necks: Best for Everyone....Pear, Hour Glass, Athletic and Apple.

More V Neck styles

Cowl Necks: Best for Pear and Athletic

More Cowl Neck Styles

Scoop Necks: Best for Pear, Athletic and Hour Glass

 

More Scoop Neck Styles